DE19845961A1 - Device to operate motion sensors to switch lighting; has common connecting line for sensors in form of load line or analogue encoded extension line at mains potential - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has one or more control elements to control motion sensors (1,M), which comprise sensors, evaluation units, power supplies and load switches. The motion sensors are connected to a common connecting line in the form of a load line (LL) or an analogue encoded extension line at mains potential, determine the conditions for switching on a common load (LAST) and keep the load on for at least as long as a motion sensor signals a movement.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for operating one or more Motion detectors according to the preamble of claim 1.

In electrical installation technology, motion detectors are mainly used to switch on one or more light sources when motion is detected, if the brightness falls below a usually adjustable brightness measured by the device. This threshold is often referred to as the twilight threshold. For this purpose, motion detectors with different principles are known. In addition to the mainly used passive infrared motion detectors, there are those whose sensors are based on ultrasound, radar or measurement of the electrical capacity. A combined sensor system is also possible, with the sensor signals being evaluated using various algorithms, some of which are quite extensive. After the switch-on process, the motion detector remains switched on for a fixed or adjustable period of time, called the run-on time. In the meantime, with most device types, the run-on time is restarted with every further movement detected. As soon as they have switched on the lighting, motion detectors for lighting control generally only evaluate the motion signal and ignore the brightness signal, since the lighting is often above the set twilight threshold due to the light being switched on. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a motion detector according to the prior art, having a load switch LS, a power supply PS, an evaluation unit AE, optional adjusters ES and sensor SE, which sensor comprises at least one movement sensor and at least one brightness sensor.

Motion detectors have very different detection fields due to different requirements. It often happens that the desired detection area cannot be detected by a single motion detector. The lighting of a long garden path is given as an example. Several detectors are used for motion detection. If movement is detected and there is insufficient daylight, the entire route should be illuminated. In such cases, at first glance it makes sense to connect the power outputs of the motion detectors in parallel. The control of the lighting is referred to here as a load switch; this can be done, for example, with a relay or an electronic switch which contains at least one bipolar transistor, TRIAC, MOSFET or IGBT. However, the parallel connection has a serious disadvantage: as soon as the first motion detector switches on the lighting, the brightness of the additional motion detector (s) can also be higher than the respective twilight threshold. This means that the load is not switched on when motion is detected. If the first motion detector no longer detects a motion signal and the run-on time has expired, the lighting is switched off. Due to the resulting darkness, the light is switched on again by one of the other motion detectors if the brightness falls below the threshold and movement is detected at the same time. The briefly extinguishing lighting is usually perceived as annoying and possibly dangerous. The following methods are known to enable uninterrupted lighting:
A first device is assumed from a number of motion detectors, which is designated by M here. Each of the motion detectors 1 to M outputs a separate signal for movement, here called "Bew" and light intensity, here called "LUX". The signal for switching on the lighting is formed from the signals of all motion detectors in a central power section with the logical links AND and OR:
Output signal = (Bew1 OR Bew2 ... OR BewM) AND LUXm, where m can be selected from 1. . . M.

The disadvantage of this system is that a central power unit must be used, and that the wiring between the power unit and motion sensors with telecommunication cable happens. Such cables are unusual in the electrical installation industry, the connection is somewhat more cumbersome than conventional cables for the 230 V supply. The procedure is used by various manufacturers of installation technology. For this procedure are for example the following products from GIRA Giersiepen GmbH & Co. KG, Postfach 1220, 42461 Radevormwald can be used: System sensor 180/16, No. 84002, Catalog 1998, page 176. System power section No. 84902, ibid.

A second device is known, one device forming the main unit (Hst) and the only device evaluating the illuminance. Other devices are referred to as active extensions. When motion is detected, the extension switches a signal to the extension line, which is evaluated by the main station:
Output signal = (Bewnst OR Bewnst1 ... OR BewnstN) AND LuxHst.

Here BewNst means a detected movement through the extension, LuxHst the Falling below a brightness threshold at the main station. With this facility is a differentiation of the extension signal due to coding on network potential possible. With extension signals from motion detectors, the lighting is only switched on when the brightness falls below the main point. Becomes given the phase potential from a normal button on the extension line, see above In any case, this causes the lighting to be switched on, since the person operating it wishes additional lighting. As soon as the follow-up time has expired, the Lighting switched off again. As long as one of the connected motion detectors If motion is detected, the run-on time is started again. A disadvantage of this Process is the variety of devices, since there are main stations and extensions with different Functionality. The following products are, for example, for this process GIRA Giersiepen GmbH & Co.KG, Postfach 1220, 42461 Radevormwald usable: automatic switch insert with relay contact No. 83500, catalog 1998, page 171; Automatic switch comfort attachment No. 83316, catalog 1998, page 173; Automa tic switch extension insert no. 84600, catalog 1998, page 171; Automatic switch System attachment No. 84216, catalog 1998, page 174.

A third device is known, each motion detector having equal rights and being able to evaluate the illuminance in addition to the motion signal. A central device serves as the power unit. The motion detectors are connected in parallel to a two-wire line. This two-wire line serves firstly to supply the motion detectors, secondly to report the switching signal and thirdly to signal the motion detection to the central power unit. The necessary differentiation of the operating modes is achieved by half-wave coding of the two-wire line. This device is used advantageously for automatic staircase lighting. The disadvantage of this system is that a central power unit must be used and the number of motion detectors is limited. The following products from GIRA Giersiepen GmbH & Co. KG, Postfach 1220, 42461 Radevormwald can be used for this process:
Automatic switch REG Automat No. 82900, catalog 1998, page 172; Automatic switch pulse insert No. 82500, catalog 1998, page 171; Automatic switch system attachment No. 84216, catalog 1998, page 174.

In the patent application "Passive infrared motion detector with a push button / opener", DE 196 25 719.0 describes a device in which a motion detector Network interruption can be brought into different operating states. It is advantageous the use of the existing installation during the post-installation. The disadvantage is that the operating mode is reached by serial keying and cannot be displayed.

Based on the prior art, the object of the invention is the operation of motion detectors to improve that this operation of one or several buttons and / or controls and / or sensor / actuator combinations Building system technology for the selection of operating modes such as B. "Alarm mode" or "Permanent on" and feedback of operating modes and operating states such as. B. "Alarm message" without a central power unit with minimal installation effort and without disturbing dark phases is made possible.

This object is achieved with the features of claim 1. More beneficial Design features and embodiments of the invention are in the subclaims contain.

On the basis of two exemplary embodiments, the invention according to FIGS . 2 to 3 will be explained and described in more detail. It shows:

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a motion detector according to the prior art.

Fig. 2 shows a first device with motion detectors, a button, a sensor / actuator combination and a load;

Fig. 3 shows a second device with motion detectors, a button, an operating element, a sensor / actuator combination and a load.

In FIG. 2, the interconnection of the components of the inventive device is shown configured, in which the load line LL is used for signaling the operating status of the device. As a result, the installation effort is very low. A switch element must be used as the button T, which is designed for the current flowing through the load. The same applies to the actuator of the SAK sensor / actuator combination. According to the invention, all connected motion detectors and the sensor / actuator combination recognize the potential transition from zero potential N to phase potential L on the load line LL. It does not matter whether this transition is carried out by pressing button T, the sensor / actuator combination SAK or by switching on the load LAST is caused by a motion detector 1 to M. The potential change is evaluated by an evaluation unit AE which is expanded in accordance with the invention and has the effect that all connected motion detectors turn on the load for the respectively set period of time, and that all connected motion detectors subsequently ignore the brightness signal, so that each individual motion detector resets the respectively set follow-up time, when he detects another movement. When the last load switch LS of one of the motion detectors 1 to M is switched off, the load LAST is switched off.

The evaluation device AE in each motion detector 1 to M evaluates, according to the invention, the potential transition from phase potential P to zero potential N on the load line LL in order to lock the evaluation units of all motion detectors 1 to M for a defined period of time. Otherwise, incorrect evaluations during the switch-off process could result from electrical interference on the lines or - if the sensors are passive infrared sensors - from the cooling of switched off lamps. The evaluation unit in each motion detector advantageously contains a microcontroller or an application-specific integrated circuit, also called an ASIC.

The device described in Fig. 2 can be used for example in passive infrared motion detectors, in which there is a desire for a simple parallel connection of several detectors and / or for an external activation of the device regardless of motion detection.

In the interconnection of the second device designed according to the invention shown in FIG. 3, a separate, single-core extension line NL, which is not galvanically separated from the low-voltage network, is used to control the device. The phase potential L serves as a reference potential for this extension line NL. The basic principle of the invention includes that each motion detector of the device feeds a constant current into the extension line NL, the voltage being at a maximum value of e.g. B. 42 V is limited. With the aid of a purely passive control device - in the simplest case this is a switching element with a Z-diode connected in series - the signal of the extension line NL can be set to a fixed voltage value greater than zero volts. The principle of current supply and control by clamping to a certain voltage value is well known from the field of electronic ballasts as 1 to 10 V control, but here with electrical isolation from the mains.

Through careful consideration, NL can be different on the branch line Voltage values can be assigned to various control commands or status signals. The principle applies that the voltage on which the extension line is fixed has a priority assigned to the voltage level and by control commands or Status signals with lower assigned voltage values can be overridden. The control command with the highest priority is the voltage zero volts against phase, i.e. the direct connection of the extension line with phase potential L. This can e.g. B. with everyone commercially available installation buttons can be reached.

Starting from the idle state of the device according to FIG. 3, that is to say the lighting is switched off and there is no motion detection, the first motion detector signals that the movement and at the same time a brightness value below the twilight threshold value recognizes this by clamping the extension line to a specified, smaller value than at rest. This signal is evaluated by all motion detectors 1 to M of the device and, as a result, the load switch LS is switched on by all motion detectors and in each case only the motion signal but no longer the brightness signal is evaluated. As soon as another motion detector detects motion, it in turn also clamps the voltage on the extension line to the same voltage value.

In devices according to FIG. 3, the evaluation of the extension line NL is carried out in the same way and simultaneously by all motion detectors 1 to M. It is therefore irrelevant whether the load LAST is switched by one, several or all motion detectors 1 to M. For this reason, the connection of motion detector M to the load line LL is shown in broken lines in FIG. 3. It is also possible to distribute the total load LAST to the load switches of several motion detectors and is recommended for distributed loads in order to keep the switch-on and operating currents of the load switches low. When assigning a partial load to a motion detector, it is in principle possible to control the motion detectors 1 to M differently. This different control can be done by programming each motion detector.

In devices according to FIG. 3, in which 1 to M relays are used as load switches LS in the motion detectors, the relays can be provided with potential-free contacts. In this way, the load can be distributed over two or all three phases of the low-voltage network. When using a first phase for controlling the device and using one or both further phases of the three-phase three-phase network for the load circuit, the device can no longer be put out of operation by a short circuit of the load. This is particularly important if the device is also used to detect intruders and vandals.

In the device according to FIG. 3, phase potential L can be placed on the extension line NL with a key. All connected motion detectors 1 to M evaluate this signal. As long as the motion detectors in the device have not detected any movement (idle position), each motion detector is switched on with a push of a button and the corresponding run-on time started. If, on the other hand, the load is switched on, all motion detectors are switched off by pressing the T button. The evaluation device AE in each motion detector 1 to M evaluates this key press according to the invention in order to lock the evaluation units of all motion detectors 1 to M for a defined period of time. Otherwise, incorrect evaluations during the switch-off process could result from electrical interference on the lines or - if the sensors are passive infrared sensors - from the cooling of switched off lamps. After this time, the motion detectors are ready again, that is, as soon as the lighting of one of the motion detectors 1 to M is below the twilight threshold and movement is detected, this motion detector switches the device on again. The button is therefore used to switch off the load if the twilight threshold is exceeded without the lighting switched on by the device and if there are ongoing retriggering, i.e. resetting of individual run-on times. In the device described, only a small current flows through the button.

In the simplest version of the device according to FIG. 3, the following three operating modes exist: The first operating mode is the idle position, in which the extension line is at the highest voltage, e.g. B. 42 V is clamped. As a second operating mode, the active position described above with a lower fixed voltage on which the extension line NL is clamped. The third operating mode is the short circuit of the extension line against phase, z. B. by pressing a button. This simple stage can z. B. be used in the connection of presence detectors to achieve a simple way of switching off if movement is constantly detected, but no artificial lighting is required.

In this stage of expansion, the coding of the extension line could also be carried out by half-wave coding, as is known in the prior art and has been described as a third device in the prior art. According to the invention, however, the method described here offers possibilities for considerably expanding the functionality by introducing further operating modes, which are shown as further specified voltage values on the extension line. In Fig. 3, a single control element BE is shown, but the present invention can do this several controls are connected in parallel. The control element BE is able to transmit control commands to the motion detectors 1 to M of the device by the control element clamping the extension line NL to different voltage values. All motion detectors 1 to M of the device are able to evaluate these voltage values and thus z. B. set different operating modes. For their part, the motion detectors of the device can report the set operating state back to the control unit or control units by, in turn, clamping the extension line to defined voltage levels, which can be evaluated by the control elements. The procedure inevitably means that these feedback signals are assigned larger voltage values than the control commands of the control element BE.

An example of the described functional expansion of the device according to FIG. 3, in which the fixed voltages U ₅ to U ₁₁ can be generated in each motion detector 1 to M and the fixed voltages U ₀ to U ₄ are generated for each control element BE for clamping the extension line NL is listed in the table below, without going into the technical implementation of the individual operating modes in any case:

• 1) U ₀ = 0 V → control command from button T or control element BE for switching on and off as well as switching to standard operation (highest priority)
• 2) U ₁ <U ₀ → control command for switching to the operating mode "permanently on"
• 3) U ₂ <U ₁ → control command to switch to the "permanently off" operating mode
• 4) U ₃ <U ₂ → control command to switch to operating mode "presence simulation"
• 5) U ₄ <U ₃ → control command to switch to operating mode "alarm mode"
• 6) U ₅ <U ₄ → status message of the operating mode "permanently on"
• 7) U ₆ <U ₅ → status message of the operating mode "Permanently off"
• 8) U ₇ <U ₆ → status message of the operating mode "presence simulation"
• 9) U ₈ <U ₇ → status message of the operating mode "alarm mode", alarm has been triggered
• 10) U ₉ <U ₈ → status message of the operating mode "alarm mode", no alarm trigger
• 11) U ₁₀ <U ₉ → status message switched load in standard operation
• 12) U ₁₁ <U ₁₀ → status message idle status in standard mode (lowest priority).

The first method described with reference to FIG. 2 and the second method described with reference to FIG. 3 can be combined. This means that the switched-on state of the load circuit outputs connected in parallel is evaluated by means of the signal on the load line LL, while the other status messages are evaluated in accordance with the second method independently of the state of the load line LL.

In the device according to FIG. 3, as a control element BE with several buttons and light-emitting diodes for optical feedback, for example, a multifunction push-button sensor known four times from building system technology or multifunction push-button sensor eightfold can be used in connection with an application-specific application.

When the operating modes are reported, a sufficiently high electrical power drops at the control element BE in order to be able to supply the circuit of the control element with them. The short-term breakdown of the operating voltage of the control element BE due to the actuation of the control element BE or a button T can be prevented by means of a suitable capacitor or accumulator. The control element therefore does not necessarily require the connection of the neutral conductor N for its own supply. The number of control elements which can be connected in parallel in this way results from the constant current supplied by the motion detectors 1 to M and from the power consumption of the control elements BE.

The "Alarm mode" operating mode is listed in the table above. In contrast to Standard operating mode in which lighting is switched on for the convenience of the user in the "Alarm mode" operating mode, one named in the "Alarm triggering" table Motion detection can be reported to the control element. The ambient brightness should not be evaluated during alarm operation, regardless of the ambient brightness To be able to trigger an alarm.

In the alarm mode of the device, the load switches can be controlled so that the Lighting in flashing mode switches on or remains deliberately dark. Also an acoustic one Warning messages on every motion detector are possible. To prevent false alarms during alarm operation, the evaluation of the movement signals can be based on more stringent criteria be judged as in the standard mode, in which the fastest possible Motion detection is required. For example, only several lead in alarm mode successive movements to trigger the alarm.

In the case of individual operating modes, particularly in the case of the feedback given, A triggering of the alarm on the control element BE is possible in the control element triggers an acoustic alarm, for example using a commercially available one Piezo summers. There are several ways to switch off the displayed alarm message Possibilities. By pressing the defined alarm button on the control element BE the alarm message can be acknowledged and switched off. Another Realization possibility is by pressing any key of the Control element BE to sound the alarm.

A problem with motion detector devices is the fact that if the motion is detected continuously, the circuit does not switch off the lighting even if enough daylight is available. For this reason, the light can be switched off manually in the described device according to FIG. 3. In addition, there is an automatic possibility of switching off the lighting if a light sensor with evaluation for measuring the proportion of daylight is used as the control element BE. This is connected to phase L and the branch line NL and, like the manually operated controls, can supply itself. If this sensor detects enough daylight and recognizes from the evaluation of the extension line that the load is switched on in the normal operating mode, the light sensor circuit can be equivalent to pressing a manual button T by briefly short-circuiting phase L and extension line NL the control command to switch off the lighting give.

Claims (23)

1. Device for operating one or more motion detectors, which can also be connected to an installation bus of building system technology, the detectors each consisting at least of sensors, an evaluation unit, a power supply and a load switch and also by means of one or more buttons and / or one or Several operating elements can be operated, characterized in that the motion detectors ( 1 to M) located in the device are connected to a common connecting line, the load line (LL, Fig. 2) or the analog-coded extension line (NL, Fig. 3) to network potential the condition for switching on a common load (LAST) is mutually transmitted and the switching on of the load is maintained at least as long as one of the motion detectors ( 1 to M) signals motion detection. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that by means of a button (T, Fig. 2), which phase potential (L) on the load line (LL), the lighting dependency of the motion detector ( 1 to M) is overridden and the Load (LAST) remains switched on at least as long as one of the connected motion detectors ( 1 to M) detects motion. 3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that each motion detector ( 1 to M) feeds a constant current or, when idling, a constant voltage based on phase potential (L) in the extension line (NL), and in that the motion detector by evaluating the extension voltage and by the clamping of the extension voltage to a specified voltage value, the condition for switching on a common load (LAST) to each other, and that by means of a button (T, Fig. 3) or control element (BE), which with a first actuation phase potential (L) on the Extension line (NL) sets, which overrides the lighting dependency of the motion detectors and the load (LAST) remains switched on at least as long as one of the connected motion detectors ( 1 to M) detects motion and by pressing a button (T) or control element (BE) switches off the common load (LAST). 4. Device according to claim 1 and 3, characterized in that control elements (BE) are used with a plurality of control surfaces, by means of clamping the extension line (NL) to a fixed voltage value based on phase potential (L) the motion detectors ( 1 to M) of the device assign different operating modes. 5. Device according to claim 1, 3 and 4, characterized in that the motion detectors ( 1 to M) by clamping the extension line (NL) to a fixed voltage value based on phase potential (L) the controls (BE) of the device the current operating state of the The facility reports which is evaluated and displayed there. 6. Device according to claim 1 and 3 to 5, characterized in that each Control element (BE) via the between phase line (L) and extension line (NL) available voltage itself supplied. 7. Device according to claim 1 and 3 to 5, characterized in that as Control elements (BE) can also use known push button sensors from building system technology are. 8. Device according to claim 1 and 3 to 5, characterized in that with Controls (BE) can set an operating mode that the load for a function-related period of time or switches on permanently, and that this operating mode too can be reported back to the control elements (BE). 9. Device according to claim 1 and 3 to 5, characterized in that with Controls (BE) can set an operating mode that the load for a function-related period of time or switches off permanently, and that this mode of operation too can be reported back to the control elements (BE). 10. Device according to claim 1 and 3 to 5, characterized in that with Controls (BE) can set the operating mode twilight function, which the Load at dawn and / or dusk for a functional period of time switches on, and that this operating mode is also reported back to the control elements (BE) can be. 11. The device according to claim 1 and 3 to 5, characterized in that with Controls (BE) can set the operating mode presence simulation, which the Load during twilight and darkness for nearly accidental or learned Switches on and that this operating mode is also available on the control elements (BE) can be reported back. 12. The device according to claim 1 and 3 to 5, characterized in that with Controls (BE) can set the operating mode alarm function, which movement with a higher false detection suppression regardless of the ambient brightness recognizes that this operating mode is also reported back to the control elements (BE) can be. 13. The device according to claim 1, 3 to 5 and 12, characterized in that in the Operating mode alarm function motion detection reported to the controls (BE) is displayed there and optically and / or acoustically as an alarm message. 14. Device according to claim 1 and 3 to 5 and 12, characterized in that the motion detectors ( 1 to M) cyclically switch the load (LAST) on and off or leave it off and / or emit an acoustic warning signal as an alarm message. 15. The device according to claim 1, 3 to 5 and 12 to 14, characterized in that in the operating mode alarm function, the alarm message by pressing a button (T, Fig. 3) or any control surface of an operating element (BE) is switched off. 16. Device according to claim 1 and 3 to 5, characterized in that the evaluation of the adjuster (ES, Fig. 1) in the evaluation unit by pressing a button (T, Fig. 3) or any control surface of a control element (BE) (AE) the motion detector ( 1 to M) is permitted for a specified period of time. 17. The device according to claim 1 and 3 to 5, characterized in that the evaluation of the adjuster (ES, Fig. 1) in the evaluation unit (AE) of the motion detector ( 1 to M) by pressing a certain control surface of a control element (BE) can alternately unlock and lock, and that the relevant operating state can also be reported back to the controls (BE). 18. Device according to claim 1 and 3, characterized in that as an operating element (BE) an automatic control element with a daylight sensor is provided, soft short-term phase potential (L) on the extension line (NL) and thus causes the lighting to be switched off, with the control element possibly also a daylight sensor over the between extension line (NL) and phase (L) available voltage itself supplied. 19. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that after switching off the load in the evaluation unit (AE, Fig. 1) in each of the motion detectors ( 1 to M) of the device, the load is switched on again by one or more of the motion detectors by means of a short-term Evaluation lock is prevented. 20. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the signals on the load line (LL, Fig. 1 and 2) or the extension line (NL, Fig. 1 and 3) are transmitted to an evaluation unit (AE, Fig. 1), which contains a microcontroller or an application-specific integrated circuit ASIC. 21. Device according to claim 1 and 20 with motion detectors ( 1 to M) that use relays as load switches (LS), characterized in that the signal of the load line (LL) available according to the invention at the respective evaluation unit (AE) is additionally used for optimization the switch-on time of the relay is evaluated. 22. The device according to claim 1 and 3 with motion detectors ( 1 to M) that use relays as load switches (LS), characterized in that the relays are provided with potential-free contacts. 23. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that for inclusion in one Installation bus of the building system technology the load line (LL) or the Extension line (NL) through a sensor / actuator combination (SAK) in the same way as evaluated and controlled by a button (T) or by an operating element (BE) becomes.